| Massage oil is a great addition to any | | | | skin. |
| massage experience. It enhances not only | | | | * Avocado oil - This is a heavy oil best |
| the relaxing nature of the massage | | | | diluted at a rate of 10% in a lighter |
| therapy session, but also adds to the | | | | oil. |
| healing benefits of the massage. | | | | * Borage oil - Good for eczema and |
| The use of massage oil is not a new | | | | psoriasis, it penetrates, regenerates, |
| idea. Homer, Plato, Socrates - all of | | | | and stimulates. |
| these men referenced the use of massage | | | | * Castor oil - A thick sticky oil good |
| oil as an aid for pain relief in their | | | | for drawing out toxins and for use on |
| writings. Today, pain relief is one | | | | scar tissue. Best used in a poultice. |
| reason for using massage oil. Others | | | | * Coconut oil - A thick, heavy oil that |
| include the facilitation of more gliding | | | | should be warmed before use. Good for |
| massage, skin nourishment, and the | | | | cracked skin. |
| promotion of good health in general. | | | | * Emu oil - Anti-inflammatory and used |
| How do you choose a massage oil for | | | | for arthritis, sore muscles, bruising, |
| massage therapy? First, choose an oil | | | | and eczema. May block pores. |
| that is cold-pressed or | | | | * Grapeseed oil - Non-allergenic and |
| expeller-pressed. Both of these have had | | | | good for all types of skin. |
| the least amount of processing and will | | | | * Jojoba oil - A penetrating, |
| last longest. Prevent them from spoiling | | | | anti-bacterial oil for eczema and acne. |
| by keeping them in a cool place and | | | | * Kukui nut oil - Anti-bacterial, |
| adding 300 IUs of vitamin E per pint of | | | | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory that is |
| oil monthly. In addition, essential | | | | light and has a slight warming effect. |
| oils, or oils that are distilled from | | | | * Olive oil - Has a warming effect and |
| various plants, roots, or seeds) can be | | | | relieves stiffness. |
| added. Seek the aid of a professional to | | | | Different skin types will fare better |
| advise on a good combination. | | | | with different types of oil. As such, it |
| Some oils to choose from for massage | | | | will be a good idea to experiment with |
| therapy include: | | | | different kinds for massage therapy. If |
| * Sweet almond oil - Anti-inflammatory, | | | | one doesn't work, try another. Also, |
| light, and good for most skin types, | | | | some may personally prefer the smell or |
| especially dry skin. | | | | the effects of one massage oil to |
| * Apricot kernel oil - Reduces stress, | | | | another. The selection of massage oils |
| provides balance, and good for all skin | | | | is pretty wide; so there is bound to be |
| types, especially prematurely aging | | | | a preferred one for just about anybody. |